Everyone has their favoured staples to pack in their hand luggage ahead of a flight, but experts have warned against packing certain items – otherwise risk facing delays at the airport
Experts have warned about some common items packed in hand luggage that could cause travel disruptions (Image: Getty Images/Stock Image)
Experts have warned about a basic hand luggage packing mistake that could cause travel disruptions.
Before catching a flight, many of us strategically pack our hand luggage to ensure we have all our essentials, from headphones to snacks, magazines and travel documents. Many also opt to pack skincare items to feel refreshed during a flight, particularly on a long-haul journey, such as lip balm, lotion, facial mist, or a face mask.
However, packing certain skincare items in hand luggage can actually cause significant airport delays, experts have warned. These packing mistakes can even lead to items being confiscated if the holidaymaker is unaware of the restrictions on taking skincare products through security.
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One of the most common errors seen by travellers is assuming that some products don’t count as liquids, the experts at Landys Chemist outlined. They noted that with new skincare products on the market, such as balms, jellies, and sticks, it isn’t always clear whether they are classed as liquids.
However, they explained that items such as sheet masks, eye patches, cleansing balms, face creams, and serums are all treated as liquids at security, so they should be packed in line with airport security requirements. If a holidaymaker fails to do this, their items could be confiscated, and they could be delayed.
Another issue mentioned by the experts is overpacking travel miniatures. They said: “Even travel-size skincare that is under the liquid allowance can still cause issues. Some airports will still stop passengers if their liquids don’t fit into a single, fully sealed, clear bag.”
Packing liquids incorrectly, such as splitting them across multiple bags or poorly presenting them in hand luggage, can also prompt extra screening. This is another unnecessary mistake that could cause delays at airport security.
The experts also warned that travellers should not decant products into unlabelled bottles. “Pouring your favourite skincare into random containers might save space, but unlabelled products can raise questions and lead to manual checks,” they shared.
While facial mists, setting sprays, and spray sunscreens are seen as skincare staples, especially when jetting off abroad, they can actually cause more harm than good. As they are pressurised, the experts said they are “more likely to be pulled aside for inspection”, and in turn, cause delays at airport security.
The skincare experts also encouraged all holidaymakers to check the liquid rules for the airport they’re departing from before setting off. Some UK airports have ditched the 100ml liquid rule at security, while many still maintain it, so it’s advisable to check any restrictions to ensure you have the correct limits – even if that means leaving some routine products at home.
Rhysa Phommachanh, skincare expert at Landys Chemist, said: “Many travellers are now packing full skincare routines in their hand luggage, but it can be confusing knowing which products are allowed. As a general rule, if a product can be spread, rubbed, or sprayed, it will usually fall under airport liquid restrictions.
“We’re also seeing a growing trend for full skincare routines being carried out mid-flight, but this isn’t always ideal for the skin. Cabin environments are very low in humidity, meaning the skin is already under environmental stress. Applying multiple layers of products can increase the risk of irritation, especially if hand hygiene is limited due to shared surfaces on board.
“A more simplified approach tends to work best for long-haul travel. Basic essentials such as lip balm, a lightweight moisturiser, or a facial mist are usually more than enough to maintain hydration without overwhelming the skin barrier.”
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